> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Merger suits noted Westside boutique law firms
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/merger-suits-noted-westside-boutique-law-firms/
- Published: 2005-09-22T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:48:39.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Real Estate & Housing, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

Respected real estate and land use attorneys Chris Harding, Tom Larmore, Ken Kutcher and Kevin Kozal have merged with two other specialty law firms headed by litigator Dennis Mullen and estate planning attorney John Jakle.

The new firm of Harding Larmore Mullen Jakle Kutcher & Kozal, LLP has nine attorneys to handle land use and real estate transaction matters, in addition to litigation and estate planning services.

“We are committed to offering the highest quality service from experienced attorneys in a small, collegial setting,” said Harding, who has represented some of the area’s leading residential and commercial developers over the past 25 years and has been involved in several key housing regulation cases.

“It’s a natural fit to offer more services to our clients, realize administrative efficiencies and practice law with attorneys we have worked with and respected for many years,” explained Mullen, who specializes in real estate, business, family law, professional negligence, personal injury and appellate litigation matters.

Mullen and Jakle first worked with Harding 30 years ago when the young law school graduate joined their Santa Monica firm that was located next door to the current offices of Harding Larmore Mullen Jakle Kutcher & Kozal.

“We have referred business back and forth for so many years that it made sense to join forces at a time when we were considering expanding,” added Larmore, who joined Harding, Kutcher and Kozal in 1999 after co-chairing the national real estate practice at the former Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro. Larmore, Harding and Jakle are long-time Santa Monica residents with close ties to the business community and have exemplary records of supporting public education, youth athletic leagues and social services. Many of the firm’s attorneys have received numerous awards for their pro bono and volunteer activities.

“Change is exciting, especially when you can work with attorneys you admire who just happen to be your good friends,” said Jakle.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/092205-10_01.jpg)

(l to r): Kevin Kozal, John Jakle, Christopher Harding, Dennis Mullen, Kenneth Kutcher and Thomas Larmore. (Photo: Photo courtesy Partners)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 22, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/092205.pdf?ref=smdp.com)